Hound Dog

Hound Dog is a song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and originally recorded by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton in 1952, with Kansas City Bill on drums and Pete Lewis on guitar, for Peacock Records. The song gained popularity after it was covered by Elvis Presley in 1956, with Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and D.J. Fontana on drums, and produced by Steve Sholes for RCA Records. Elvis Presley's version of the song was a huge commercial success, topping the charts in the United States, Canada, and Australia, and featuring on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the UK Singles Chart, and the Australian Singles Chart. The song has since become one of Elvis Presley's signature tunes, alongside other hits like Heartbreak Hotel and Jailhouse Rock, and has been covered by numerous artists, including Eric Clapton, The Beatles, and Little Richard.

Origins

The song was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, two New York City-based songwriters who were inspired by the Blues music of the American South. They wrote the song for Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton, a Los Angeles-based singer who was known for her powerful voice and energetic stage presence, and who had previously recorded for Modern Records and Imperial Records. The song was recorded by Big Mama Thornton in 1952, with Johnny Otis on drums and Pete Lewis on guitar, and produced by Johnny Otis for Peacock Records. The song became a hit for Big Mama Thornton, reaching the top of the Billboard Rhythm and Blues chart and staying there for seven weeks, and featuring on the Cash Box chart and the DownBeat chart. The song's success helped establish Big Mama Thornton as a major star of the Rhythm and Blues scene, alongside other artists like Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Bo Diddley.

Composition

The song is a 12-bar blues tune, with a simple but catchy melody and lyrics that tell the story of a person who is being pursued by a former lover, with references to Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana. The song features a distinctive guitar riff and a driving rhythm section, with drums and bass provided by D.J. Fontana and Bill Black, and piano provided by Floyd Cramer. The song's lyrics are written in a style that is reminiscent of Delta Blues singers like Robert Johnson and Son House, with a focus on storytelling and poetic imagery, and references to African-American culture and American folklore. The song has been praised for its energetic and infectious melody, and its lyrics have been interpreted as a commentary on the themes of love, heartbreak, and perseverance, with comparisons to other Blues classics like Cross Road Blues and Hellhound on My Trail.

Recording

Elvis Presley recorded the song on July 2, 1956, at RCA Studios in New York City, with Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and D.J. Fontana on drums, and produced by Steve Sholes for RCA Records. The session was attended by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who helped to arrange the song and provide guidance to Elvis Presley and his band, and featured a horn section with Boots Randolph on saxophone and Gordon Stoker on trombone. The song was recorded in a single take, with Elvis Presley singing and playing guitar live in the studio, and The Jordanaires providing backing vocals. The song's recording was a significant departure from the original version by Big Mama Thornton, with a more polished and commercial sound, and a greater emphasis on rock and roll and country music influences, with comparisons to other Rock and roll classics like Rock Around the Clock and That'll Be the Day.

Release_and_Reception

The song was released as a single on July 13, 1956, and quickly became a huge commercial success, topping the charts in the United States, Canada, and Australia, and featuring on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the UK Singles Chart, and the Australian Singles Chart. The song received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising Elvis Presley's energetic and charismatic performance, and the song's catchy and infectious melody, with comparisons to other Rock and roll classics like Great Balls of Fire and La Bamba. The song has since been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has been named one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, alongside other classics like Satisfaction and Hey Jude.

Cultural_Impact

The song has had a significant cultural impact, with its influence extending far beyond the world of music, and featuring in numerous films, television shows, and advertisements, including Forrest Gump, The Simpsons, and American Idol. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Eric Clapton, The Beatles, and Little Richard, and has been named one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, alongside other classics like Stairway to Heaven and Bohemian Rhapsody. The song's lyrics have been interpreted as a commentary on the themes of love, heartbreak, and perseverance, and its melody has been praised for its energetic and infectious quality, with comparisons to other Blues classics like Pride and Joy and Sunshine of Your Love. The song has also been the subject of numerous parodies and spoofs, including a famous version by Pigmeat Markham and a Weird Al Yankovic parody, and has been featured in numerous music festivals, including Coachella and Glastonbury Festival.

Legacy

The song's legacy continues to be felt today, with its influence extending to a wide range of musical genres, including rock and roll, blues, and country music, and featuring in the music of artists like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Bob Dylan. The song has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and has been named one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, alongside other classics like Imagine and Smells Like Teen Spirit. The song's impact on popular culture is still evident, with references to the song appearing in numerous films, television shows, and advertisements, including The Sopranos, The Office, and Saturday Night Live, and featuring in the music of artists like Kanye West, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift. The song remains one of Elvis Presley's most beloved and enduring songs, and its influence continues to be felt by new generations of musicians and music fans, with comparisons to other Rock and roll classics like Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On and Johnny B. Goode. Category:Rock and roll songs